Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Privacy Policy (this “Privacy Policy”) of Mooring Dental (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information entrusted to us and to maintaining the confidentiality of personal information in accordance with Applicable Law.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, store, and otherwise process information obtained through our website located at www.mooringdental.com, any related webpages, mobile-optimized websites, online services, digital communications, appointment scheduling tools, patient portal (“Patient Portal”) access, telehealth services, and other online services that link to or reference this Privacy Policy (collectively, the “Website”), as well as the choices available to you regarding your information.

By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the practices described in this Privacy Policy, please discontinue use of the Website.

This Privacy Policy should be read together with our Terms of Use and any other notices or policies made available through the Website. In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Policy and the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices (“Notice of Privacy Practices”) with respect to Protected Health Information (“PHI”), the Notice of Privacy Practices shall control to the extent required by Applicable Law.

2. Applicability of this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through or in connection with the Website, including information collected when you:

  • browse or otherwise interact with the Website;
  • submit information through online forms;
  • request appointments or other services;
  • communicate with us electronically;
  • access or use the Patient Portal;
  • participate in telehealth services made available through the Website;
  • submit payment information through authorized payment platforms;
  • subscribe to newsletters or other communications;
  • respond to surveys or provide feedback; or
  • otherwise interact with our online services.

This Privacy Policy applies regardless of whether you access the Website from a computer, tablet, mobile device, or other Internet-connected device.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, this Privacy Policy does not apply to:

  • employment applications or recruiting activities;
  • information collected exclusively in person, by telephone, or through other offline interactions that is not processed through the Website;
  • third-party websites, applications, or services that are not owned or controlled by the Practice, even if linked from the Website; or
  • information governed exclusively by separate privacy notices provided by third parties.

As used in this Privacy Policy, “Applicable Law” means all applicable federal, state, local, and other laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, rules, judicial decisions, governmental orders, regulatory guidance, and legally binding requirements relating to the collection, use, disclosure, processing, storage, protection, retention, transfer, security, or disposal of personal information or PHI, including, as applicable, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”); the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”); the Federal Trade Commission Act; state consumer privacy laws; state data breach notification laws; medical record confidentiality laws; and other applicable healthcare, privacy, cybersecurity, consumer protection, and data security laws.

3. Protected Health Information and HIPAA

The Practice is a healthcare provider and, with respect to certain information, is subject to HIPAA, as amended, together with its implementing regulations.

Certain information that you provide to the Practice in connection with receiving healthcare services may constitute PHI under HIPAA. The Practice’s collection, use, disclosure, and protection of PHI are governed by HIPAA, other Applicable Law, and the Notice of Privacy Practices, rather than solely by this Privacy Policy.

Accordingly, this Privacy Policy is intended primarily to describe the Practice’s privacy practices relating to the Website and other online services. Information collected through the Website may or may not constitute PHI depending on the circumstances in which it is collected and how it is maintained or used. For example, technical information such as Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses, browser information, device identifiers, cookies, analytics data, and general Website usage information may not constitute PHI standing alone, while information submitted through secure patient-facing services in connection with healthcare may constitute PHI.

Where HIPAA applies, the Practice will use and disclose PHI in accordance with its Notice of Privacy Practices and Applicable Law. Nothing in this Privacy Policy is intended to limit, expand, or modify the Practice’s rights or obligations under HIPAA or other Applicable Law.

A copy of the Practice’s current Notice of Privacy Practices can be obtained from the Practice and should be reviewed for additional information regarding the Practice’s handling of PHI, including your rights under HIPAA.

4. Categories of Information We Collect

The categories of information we collect depend upon how you interact with the Website, the services you request, the devices you use, and the features you access. The Practice may collect the following categories of information:

4.1 Identifiers and Contact Information

We may collect identifiers and contact information, including:

  • name;
  • mailing address;
  • email address;
  • telephone number;
  • date of birth;
  • username or account credentials;
  • patient or account identification numbers;
  • emergency contact information; and
  • other similar identifiers that you voluntarily provide.

4.2 Health and Medical Information

When you request healthcare services or communicate with the Practice, we may collect health-related information, including:

  • appointment requests;
  • symptoms or medical concerns you voluntarily provide;
  • provider preferences;
  • health history information;
  • insurance information;
  • prescription or pharmacy information;
  • communications regarding your care; and
  • other information necessary to facilitate healthcare services.

Certain health-related information may constitute PHI and is governed by HIPAA and the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices.

4.3 Payment and Financial Information

If you make payments or submit billing information through the Website or an authorized payment provider, we may collect information relating to:

  • billing address;
  • payment status;
  • insurance information;
  • transaction information; and
  • other information necessary to process payments or administer accounts.

Payment card information may be collected and processed directly by authorized third-party payment processors rather than the Practice.

4.4 Communications

We may collect information contained in communications you send to us, including communications submitted through:

  • contact forms;
  • appointment request forms;
  • email;
  • secure messaging;
  • Patient Portal communications;
  • telehealth services;
  • text messaging, where available; and
  • customer support inquiries.

4.5 Technical Information

When you access the Website, we may collect technical information, including:

  • IP address;
  • browser type and version;
  • operating system;
  • device type;
  • device identifiers;
  • language settings;
  • referring and exit pages;
  • Internet service provider;
  • date and time of access;
  • session identifiers; and
  • other diagnostic information relating to your device or browser.

4.6 Website Usage Information

We may collect information regarding your interaction with the Website, including:

  • pages visited;
  • navigation paths;
  • clicks;
  • scrolling activity;
  • search queries;
  • referring websites;
  • links selected;
  • time spent on pages;
  • appointment scheduling interactions;
  • Website performance information; and
  • other information regarding your use of the Website.

4.7 Location Information

We may collect approximate geographic location derived from your IP address or other device information. We generally do not collect precise geolocation information unless you expressly authorize such collection through your device or browser.

5. Information Collected Automatically

In addition to information that you voluntarily provide, certain information may be collected automatically when you access or interact with the Website.

Automatically collected information may include:

  • device characteristics;
  • browser information;
  • operating system information;
  • IP address;
  • pages viewed;
  • dates and times of Website access;
  • navigation activity;
  • referral information;
  • interactions with Website content;
  • technical diagnostic information;
  • security and fraud detection information;
  • cookie identifiers;
  • session identifiers; and
  • similar information generated through your use of the Website.

This information may be collected by the Practice or by authorized third-party service providers acting on the Practice’s behalf.

Automatically collected information assists the Practice in:

  • operating and maintaining the Website;
  • authenticating users;
  • protecting against fraud and unauthorized activity;
  • improving Website functionality and accessibility;
  • analyzing Website performance;
  • understanding user interactions;
  • diagnosing technical issues;
  • maintaining system security;
  • complying with legal obligations; and
  • improving the quality of our online services.

Depending upon the circumstances, automatically collected information may be associated with information you voluntarily provide or with information maintained in connection with your relationship with the Practice, as permitted by Applicable Law.

6. Cookies, Analytics, Session Replay, and Similar Technologies

To operate, secure, maintain, and improve the Website, the Practice and its authorized service providers may use cookies, pixels, web beacons, tags, local storage technologies, software development kits, application programming interfaces, scripts, session replay technologies, heat mapping technologies, analytics technologies, communication technologies, accessibility tools, fraud detection technologies, and similar technologies (collectively, “Website Technologies”).

6.1 Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your browser or device that enable the Website to recognize your browser, remember preferences, maintain sessions, improve functionality, enhance security, and facilitate your use of the Website.

Cookies may include:

  • strictly necessary cookies;
  • functional cookies;
  • performance cookies;
  • analytics cookies;
  • security cookies; and
  • other similar technologies.

Depending upon your browser settings and Applicable Law, you may have the ability to control or disable certain cookies. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality or availability of portions of the Website.

6.2 Analytics Technologies

The Practice may use analytics technologies to better understand how users interact with the Website and to improve Website performance, accessibility, security, content, navigation, and user experience.

Analytics technologies may collect information such as:

  • pages viewed;
  • navigation paths;
  • browser information;
  • device information;
  • IP address;
  • referral sources;
  • click activity;
  • scrolling activity;
  • approximate geographic location;
  • session duration; and
  • other Website interaction information.

6.3 Session Replay and Interaction Technologies

The Practice or its authorized service providers may utilize technologies that record, reconstruct, or analyze portions of a user’s interaction with the Website in order to:

  • evaluate Website performance;
  • improve usability and accessibility;
  • diagnose technical issues;
  • identify errors;
  • maintain Website security;
  • detect fraud or misuse;
  • provide customer support; and
  • improve the overall user experience.

Depending upon the technologies used, these tools may record or analyze Website interactions such as page navigation, clicks, scrolling activity, form interactions, mouse movements, touchscreen interactions, and similar Website usage information.

6.4 Third-Party Website Technologies

Certain Website Technologies may be provided by authorized third-party service providers that assist the Practice with Website hosting, analytics, communications, accessibility, appointment scheduling, Patient Portal functionality, telehealth services, payment processing, security, fraud prevention, and other operational functions.

Additional information regarding these third-party service providers is provided elsewhere in this Privacy Policy.

6.5 Your Choices

Depending upon your browser settings, device configuration, applicable cookie consent tools, and Applicable Law, you may have options to manage certain Website Technologies, including cookies.

Please note that disabling certain technologies may limit the functionality, security, or availability of portions of the Website.

7. Artificial Intelligence and Automated Technologies

The Practice may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”), machine learning, automation, and other automated technologies to support the operation, administration, security, maintenance, and improvement of the Website and related online services.

These technologies may be used for purposes such as:

  • appointment scheduling and administrative workflows;
  • customer service and communications;
  • responding to general inquiries;
  • website administration;
  • fraud detection and cybersecurity;
  • spam prevention;
  • analytics and reporting;
  • accessibility improvements;
  • quality assurance;
  • documentation assistance;
  • system monitoring;
  • performance optimization; and
  • other lawful operational purposes.

The Practice may also engage third-party service providers that incorporate AI or automated technologies into the services they provide on the Practice’s behalf.

Unless expressly disclosed otherwise for a particular service, the Practice does not use AI or automated technologies as the sole basis for clinical judgment, diagnosis, treatment decisions, or other healthcare decisions requiring the independent judgment of appropriately licensed healthcare professionals.

Where AI or automated technologies are used in connection with information that constitutes PHI, such use will be subject to HIPAA and other Applicable Law.

8. How We Use Information

The Practice may collect, use, process, store, disclose, and otherwise process information described in this Privacy Policy for lawful business, healthcare, operational, security, and legal purposes, including to:

  • provide, administer, and improve the Website and it services and features;
  • schedule appointments and facilitate healthcare services;
  • communicate with patients, prospective patients, and other Website users;
  • establish, maintain, and administer user accounts;
  • authenticate users and verify identity;
  • process payments and administer billing;
  • facilitate Patient Portal access and secure communications;
  • provide telehealth and other online healthcare services;
  • respond to requests, inquiries, comments, or feedback;
  • personalize Website functionality and user experience;
  • operate, maintain, troubleshoot, monitor, and improve the Website;
  • evaluate Website performance and usability;
  • improve accessibility and functionality;
  • detect, investigate, prevent, and respond to fraud, cybersecurity incidents, abuse, unauthorized access, or other unlawful activity;
  • maintain the security and integrity of our systems, networks, and information;
  • conduct analytics, reporting, auditing, quality assurance, and internal business operations;
  • comply with Applicable Law, professional obligations, court orders, governmental requests, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and licensing obligations;
  • establish, exercise, or defend legal claims;
  • enforce our Terms of Use and other agreements;
  • protect the health, safety, rights, property, and security of the Practice, our providers, personnel, patients, Website users, and others;
  • carry out business planning, risk management, and operational improvement activities; and
  • fulfill any other purpose disclosed at the time information is collected or otherwise permitted or required by Applicable Law.

Where information constitutes PHI, the Practice’s use of such information will also be governed by HIPAA and the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices.

9. When We Share Information

The Practice may disclose information described in this Privacy Policy to the following categories of recipients, as appropriate and consistent with Applicable Law.

9.1 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers that perform services on our behalf, including providers of:

  • website hosting;
  • cloud computing;
  • information technology services;
  • cybersecurity;
  • appointment scheduling;
  • Patient Portal services;
  • telehealth platforms;
  • payment processing;
  • communications and messaging;
  • customer support;
  • analytics;
  • accessibility services;
  • website performance monitoring;
  • session replay and user experience analysis;
  • fraud detection;
  • artificial intelligence and automation tools;
  • professional consulting services; and
  • other operational support services.

These service providers are authorized to use information only as necessary to provide services to the Practice or as otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

9.2 Healthcare Providers and Business Associates

We may disclose information to healthcare providers, hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, insurers, business associates, and other entities involved in providing, coordinating, supporting, administering, or paying for healthcare services, as permitted or required by HIPAA and other Applicable Law.

9.3 Payment Processing

If you submit payment information through the Website, payment information may be collected and processed by authorized third-party payment processors that assist in processing transactions on behalf of the Practice.

9.4 Legal and Regulatory Disclosures

We may disclose information when we believe such disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate to:

  • comply with Applicable Law;
  • respond to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal process;
  • cooperate with governmental, regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or law enforcement authorities;
  • enforce our legal rights or contractual rights;
  • investigate suspected fraud, cybersecurity incidents, or unlawful activity;
  • protect the safety, rights, or property of the Practice or others; or
  • establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.

9.5 Corporate Transactions

Information may be disclosed in connection with an actual or proposed merger, acquisition, reorganization, financing transaction, sale of assets, corporate restructuring, bankruptcy proceeding, or similar business transaction, subject to Applicable Law.

9.6 With Your Direction or Consent

We may disclose information where you direct us to do so, authorize the disclosure, or otherwise provide your consent.

9.7 De-Identified and Aggregated Information

The Practice may create, use, and disclose de-identified, anonymized, or aggregated information that does not identify an individual, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law. Such information may be used for business operations, quality improvement, analytics, research, reporting, benchmarking, or other lawful purposes.

9.8 No Unauthorized Disclosures

Except as described in this Privacy Policy, our Notice of Privacy Practices, or as otherwise permitted or required by Applicable Law, the Practice does not disclose personal information to third parties.

10. Third-Party Technologies and Service Providers

To support the operation of the Website and the delivery of our online services, the Practice may engage trusted third-party service providers that perform services on our behalf. These providers are contractually authorized to access, receive, maintain, process, or otherwise handle information only as necessary to perform services for the Practice or as otherwise permitted or required by Applicable Law.

Depending upon the technologies and services used by the Practice, these service providers may include providers of:

  • website hosting and cloud infrastructure;
  • information technology and managed services;
  • cybersecurity and fraud prevention;
  • appointment scheduling;
  • Patient Portal services;
  • telehealth platforms;
  • payment processing;
  • secure communications and messaging;
  • customer support;
  • analytics and Website performance monitoring;
  • session replay and user experience analysis;
  • accessibility services;
  • artificial intelligence and automation technologies;
  • electronic signature services;
  • mapping and location services;
  • email delivery;
  • text messaging;
  • document management;
  • data backup and disaster recovery; and
  • other technology or operational support services.

Depending upon the Practice’s technology stack, these providers may include companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Cloudflare, Stripe, Authorize.net, Twilio, Google Maps, Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, Hotjar, FullStory, NexHealth, athenahealth, ModMed, Solutionreach, or similar service providers. The specific technologies utilized by the Practice may change over time as our operational needs evolve.

Where required by Applicable Law, including HIPAA where applicable, the Practice enters into appropriate contractual arrangements with service providers that receive PHI on the Practice’s behalf.

11. Third-Party Websites and Integrations

The Website may contain links to, integrate with, embed, or otherwise make available websites, applications, services, or content provided by third parties that are not owned or controlled by the Practice.

Examples may include:

  • online payment platforms;
  • Patient Portal login pages;
  • telehealth platforms;
  • insurance carrier websites;
  • pharmacy services;
  • laboratory services;
  • Google Maps or other mapping services;
  • social media platforms;
  • video hosting services;
  • calendar integrations; and
  • other third-party websites or online resources.

When you interact directly with a third-party website, application, or service, your information may be collected and processed by that third party in accordance with its own privacy policy, terms of use, and applicable legal obligations.

The Practice does not control and is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, content, accuracy, availability, or policies of third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review the applicable privacy policies and terms before providing information to any third-party service.

Certain third-party services may collect information directly from your browser or device when you interact with embedded content or integrated functionality. For example, if you use an embedded mapping service, the applicable mapping provider may collect information such as your IP address, browser information, approximate location, and interactions with the mapping service in accordance with that provider’s privacy practices.

12. Communications

The Practice may communicate with you through various methods in connection with your use of the Website, your relationship with the Practice, or the services you request.

These communications may include:

  • appointment confirmations;
  • appointment reminders;
  • responses to inquiries;
  • Patient Portal messages;
  • billing and payment notifications;
  • prescription-related communications;
  • telehealth communications;
  • customer service communications;
  • technical support messages;
  • Website or account security notifications;
  • updates regarding the Website or our online services;
  • administrative notices;
  • legally required notices; and
  • other communications relating to the services requested by you.

Communications may be transmitted by email, telephone, text message, Patient Portal, secure messaging platform, push notification, postal mail, or other communication methods authorized by you or otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

Where required by Applicable Law, the Practice will obtain any necessary consent before sending communications through particular communication channels.

You may have the ability to opt out of certain non-essential communications by following the instructions provided in the communication or by contacting the Practice. However, you may not opt out of communications that are necessary to:

  • provide requested healthcare services;
  • administer your account;
  • facilitate appointments;
  • respond to your requests;
  • maintain the security of your account or the Website;
  • comply with Applicable Law; or
  • otherwise administer your relationship with the Practice.

Please be aware that standard message and data rates imposed by your wireless carrier or Internet service provider may apply to certain communications, including text messages and mobile data usage.

13. Payment Information

If you make a payment through the Website or another authorized online platform, information necessary to process your transaction may be collected and processed by the Practice and/or authorized third-party payment processors.

Depending upon the payment method used, payment-related information may include:

  • billing name;
  • billing address;
  • payment amount;
  • payment method;
  • transaction identifiers;
  • insurance-related billing information; and
  • other information necessary to process or administer the transaction.

Payment card information is generally processed directly by authorized third-party payment processors utilizing industry-standard security measures and payment processing systems. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the Practice does not store complete payment card numbers, card verification values, or similar payment authentication information on its own systems.

The Practice encourages users to submit payment information only through authorized payment channels made available by the Practice and not through unsecured email or other unsecured communication methods.

Additional information regarding the privacy practices of third-party payment processors may be available in the applicable processor’s privacy policy.

14. Data Security

The Practice maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information and, where applicable, PHI, against unauthorized access, acquisition, disclosure, alteration, destruction, or other misuse.

These safeguards may include, as appropriate:

  • access controls;
  • user authentication;
  • encryption technologies;
  • secure network architecture;
  • firewalls;
  • system monitoring;
  • logging and auditing;
  • cybersecurity technologies;
  • workforce training;
  • vendor management practices;
  • incident response procedures;
  • data backup and recovery processes; and
  • other safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information maintained.

The Practice periodically reviews and updates its security practices in light of operational needs, technological developments, applicable legal requirements, and evolving cybersecurity risks.

Despite reasonable safeguards, no website, electronic communication system, computer network, cloud environment, mobile device, or Internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure or free from unauthorized access, interruption, loss, misuse, or other security incidents. Accordingly, the Practice cannot guarantee the absolute security of information transmitted to or through the Website.

You also play an important role in protecting your information. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your devices, Internet connection, usernames, passwords, authentication credentials, and other account information and should promptly notify the Practice if you believe your account or information has been compromised.

Where required by Applicable Law, the Practice will investigate and respond to security incidents and provide any required notifications to affected individuals or governmental authorities.

15. Data Retention

The Practice retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy; provide requested services; maintain business operations; comply with legal and regulatory obligations; resolve disputes; enforce agreements; protect the rights of the Practice and others; and satisfy legitimate business, operational, healthcare, accounting, tax, auditing, accreditation, licensing, and recordkeeping requirements.

Retention periods vary depending upon the nature of the information, the purposes for which it was collected, applicable legal requirements, contractual obligations, and operational needs.

Certain information, including PHI and medical records, may be retained for periods required by HIPAA, state healthcare laws, professional licensing requirements, medical record retention laws, or other Applicable Law.

When information is no longer required to be retained, the Practice will take reasonable steps to securely delete, destroy, anonymize, de-identify, or otherwise dispose of such information in accordance with Applicable Law and the Practice’s record retention and information governance practices.

In certain circumstances, the Practice may retain information for longer periods where necessary to:

  • comply with Applicable Law;
  • respond to litigation, investigations, audits, or governmental inquiries;
  • establish, exercise, or defend legal claims;
  • prevent fraud or security incidents;
  • enforce contractual rights; or
  • protect the health, safety, rights, or property of the Practice, its patients, personnel, or others.

16. Children’s Privacy

The Website is intended for use by adults and by parents, legal guardians, or other authorized representatives acting on behalf of minor patients.

The Practice does not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of thirteen (13) through the public portions of the Website except as permitted by Applicable Law or as reasonably necessary to provide requested healthcare services.

When healthcare services are provided to a minor, personal information relating to the minor may be collected from or through a parent, legal guardian, or other individual legally authorized to act on the minor’s behalf. Such information may constitute PHI and will be handled in accordance with HIPAA, the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices, and Applicable Law.

If you believe that a child has provided personal information directly through the public portions of the Website without appropriate authorization, please contact the Practice using the contact information provided in this Privacy Policy so that we may take appropriate action.

17. Your Privacy Rights

Depending upon your state of residence, the nature of your relationship with the Practice, the type of information involved, and Applicable Law, you may have certain privacy rights regarding your personal information.

Subject to Applicable Law and any applicable exceptions or limitations, those rights may include the right to:

  • know whether the Practice processes your personal information;
  • request access to certain personal information maintained by the Practice;
  • request correction of inaccurate personal information;
  • request deletion of certain personal information;
  • obtain a copy of certain personal information, where applicable;
  • withdraw consent where processing is based upon consent;
  • appeal certain privacy decisions where required by Applicable Law;
  • designate an authorized representative to submit certain requests on your behalf, where permitted by Applicable Law; and
  • exercise any additional rights provided under Applicable Law.

Certain information maintained by the Practice may not be subject to all privacy rights described above. For example, PHI maintained by the Practice may instead be governed by HIPAA, the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices, and other Applicable Law.

The Practice may request information reasonably necessary to verify your identity and authority before responding to a privacy request. The Practice may also decline requests or limit responses where permitted or required by Applicable Law.

To exercise any applicable privacy rights, please contact the Practice using the contact information provided in this Privacy Policy.

The Practice will not unlawfully discriminate or retaliate against you for exercising any privacy rights available under Applicable Law.

18. Sensitive Personal Information

Depending upon your interaction with the Practice and the services you request, the Practice may collect or process categories of information that may be considered “sensitive personal information” (“SPI”) or a similar category of information under Applicable Law.

Such information may include, where applicable:

  • health and medical information;
  • PHI;
  • account usernames and passwords;
  • financial or payment information;
  • insurance information;
  • government-issued identification numbers, where required for healthcare or billing purposes;
  • precise information voluntarily provided in connection with healthcare services; and
  • other categories of information designated as sensitive under Applicable Law.

The Practice collects, uses, discloses, and otherwise processes SPI only as reasonably necessary to:

  • provide requested healthcare services;
  • administer the Website and its services and features;
  • facilitate appointments, billing, and Patient Portal functionality;
  • verify identity;
  • maintain security;
  • comply with legal and regulatory obligations;
  • prevent fraud and unauthorized activity; and
  • otherwise fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy or as permitted or required by Applicable Law.

Where SPI constitutes PHI, the collection, use, disclosure, retention, and protection of such information are also governed by HIPAA, the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices, and other Applicable Law.

The Practice does not use SPI to infer characteristics about individuals except as reasonably necessary to provide requested services, administer the Website, comply with Applicable Law, or otherwise as disclosed in this Privacy Policy.

19. Targeted Advertising

The Practice may use cookies, analytics technologies, pixels, or similar Website Technologies to better understand how users interact with the Website, measure Website performance, improve user experience, administer the Website, and communicate with current or prospective patients.

The Practice does not use personal information for targeted advertising except as described in this Privacy Policy or as otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

If the Practice engages in targeted advertising activities that are subject to Applicable Law, such activities may involve the use of cookies, pixels, or similar technologies provided by authorized third-party service providers to measure advertising effectiveness, improve Website functionality, or provide information regarding the Practice’s services.

Where required by Applicable Law, the Practice will provide any required notice, obtain any required consent, recognize applicable opt-out preference signals, and honor valid requests to opt out of targeted advertising.

You may also be able to limit certain targeted advertising activities through your browser settings, applicable cookie preference tools, industry opt-out programs, or other mechanisms made available by the Practice or applicable third-party providers, subject to Applicable Law.

20. Cookie Choices

Most Internet browsers permit you to review, manage, restrict, or delete cookies through your browser settings. Depending upon your browser, device, and Applicable Law, you may also be able to manage certain Website Technologies through cookie preference tools or other consent management mechanisms made available by the Practice.

Please note that restricting, disabling, or deleting certain cookies or similar Website Technologies may affect the functionality, performance, security, accessibility, or availability of portions of the Website, including certain Patient Portal, authentication, scheduling, or other interactive features.

Certain analytics providers may also offer tools that allow users to limit or opt out of certain analytics activities. Where applicable, additional information regarding available choices may be obtained directly from the applicable third-party provider.

At this time, the Website may not respond to browser-based “Do Not Track” signals unless required by Applicable Law. If Applicable Law requires recognition of browser-based opt-out preference signals, the Practice will process such signals in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Your available choices regarding cookies and similar Website Technologies may change over time as browser technologies, legal requirements, and the Practice’s Website functionality evolve. The Practice encourages users to periodically review this Privacy Policy for updates regarding available choices and privacy practices.

21. International Users

The Website is intended for individuals located within the United States and is operated from the United States.

If you access or use the Website from outside the United States, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to, stored, processed, and maintained in the United States or in other jurisdictions where the Practice or its authorized service providers operate. The privacy and data protection laws of those jurisdictions may differ from those in your country of residence.

By voluntarily providing information through the Website, you acknowledge and understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States in accordance with this Privacy Policy and Applicable Law.

The Practice makes no representation that the Website is appropriate for use outside the United States or that it complies with the laws of any jurisdiction other than those applicable within the United States.

22. Changes to this Privacy Policy

The Practice reserves the right to modify, amend, supplement, or update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our privacy practices, operational needs, technology, legal or regulatory requirements, or other business considerations.

When changes are made, the updated Privacy Policy will be posted on the Website, and the “Last Updated” date will be revised accordingly. Unless otherwise required by Applicable Law, changes become effective upon posting.

Where Applicable Law requires additional notice or consent before certain changes become effective, the Practice will provide such notice or obtain such consent in the manner required by law.

Your continued use of the Website after an updated Privacy Policy becomes effective constitutes your acknowledgment of the revised Privacy Policy to the extent permitted by Applicable Law.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to remain informed about our privacy practices.

23. Contact Information

If you have questions, comments, requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or the Practice’s privacy practices, please contact us using the information below:

Mooring Dental
Mailing Address:
304 Tew Court
Clayton, NC 27520
Telephone:
(919) 550-5611
Email:
info@mooringdental.com

If your inquiry relates to your rights under HIPAA or the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices, please indicate that in your communication so your request may be directed to the appropriate individual for review and response.

The Practice will respond to inquiries and requests in accordance with Applicable Law.

Last Updated: July 21, 2026